I got to know Chuck Haytaian exactly 30 years ago this fall when he ran against Frank Lautenberg for Senate.
It was – as we noted – three decades ago, but back then Democrats were beginning their solid lock on the state’s U.S. Senate seat.
That was a good year for Republicans nationally. It was when the GOP took control of both the House and Senate propelled by the “Contract With America.”
But Haytaian really didn’t have a chance against Lautenberg.
But he was feisty.
I recall him doing what Bill Bradley had done previously – tour all 21 counties in a single day as a campaign stunt.
I can still see Haytaian milking a cow in the darkness of an early morning barn in Sussex County.
In this vein, Haytaian asked Lautenberg at a subsequent debate to name all 21 counties.
Lautenberg ignored the question. Maybe he thought it was silly. Maybe he couldn’t name them all.
When it was over, one of Haytaian’s post-election quotes was along the lines of, “I’m still the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly and that ain’t bad.”
That was a job in which he took pride.
Years later, Haytaian and I were both guests on a local radio show and I noticed his car in the parking lot.
The personalized license plate was an abbreviation for “Former Speaker.”
Statement from Governor Murphy on the Passing of Former Assembly Speaker Chuck Haytaian
“Tammy and I were saddened to hear of the passing of former Assembly Speaker Garabed ‘Chuck’ Haytaian.
“Through his storied career of service to New Jersey, including time as Speaker of the General Assembly, a U.S. Senate candidate, and Chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee, Chuck grew from the Bronx-born child of Armenian Genocide survivors to a household name across the Garden State.
“Our heartfelt prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
BUCCO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CHUCK HAYTAIAN
| Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) issued the following statement on the passing of former Assembly Speaker Chuck Haytaian:
“Speaker Haytaian was a dedicated public servant and ardent fighter for those who suffered during the Armenian Genocide,” said Sen. Bucco. “Chuck was a good man and close family friend who left a lasting mark on Garden State politics for the better. It’s a sad day for New Jersey—my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.” |
DiMaio Mourns the Loss of Mentor and Former Assembly Speaker Garabed “Chuck” Haytaian
| Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio shared a heartfelt tribute today to honor his longtime friend and mentor, former Assembly Speaker Garabed “Chuck” Haytaian, who passed Friday.
“New Jersey has lost a giant, and I have lost a dear friend,” DiMaio said. “Chuck was the heart and soul of New Jersey politics. His tireless commitment to this state inspired everyone around him, including me.”
Their friendship began in the early 1970s, when DiMaio, then a high school senior first crossed paths with him as Haytaian was serving on the Mansfield Board of Education. Haytaian’s guidance and encouragement were a powerful influence on DiMaio’s own path in public service.
“From the start, Chuck’s passion for serving the public and his commitment to integrity left a lasting impact on me,” DiMaio said. “He helped guide me when I was just starting out and he never gave up on challenging me to push forward.”
Initially a Democrat local official, DiMaio credited Haytaian for helping him switch to the Republican Party in 1995.
“For eight years, Chuck pressed me to see how much my values aligned with the Republican Party, and his persistence finally convinced me to make the switch,” DiMaio explained. “I’m grateful every day for his guidance, which still shapes my work in the Assembly. Chuck didn’t just mentor me—he helped me find my true voice in public service.”
Haytaian served as Assembly Speaker from 1992 to 1996 and was first elected to the Assembly in 1981, winning re-election six times. He held several key leadership roles, including minority whip from 1984 to 1985, majority leader from 1986 to 1989 and minority leader from 1990 to 1991.
In 1992, Republicans gained 58 Assembly seats on a wave of opposition to higher taxes. Speaker Haytaian boasted that the Republican-controlled, veto-proof legislature governed the state. His toughness was legendary, he even moved two Republican members to the Democrat side of the chamber after they voted with the Democrats on a bill.
Haytaian was a key supporter of Gov. Christie Whitman’s successful campaign for governor in 1993 and continued to back her in her 1997 re-election as state Republican Party chairman, a role he held from 1995 to 2001.
DiMaio extended his deepest condolences to Haytaian’s family and to the many others who will mourn his passing.
“Chuck’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the people he served so faithfully,” DiMaio concluded. “My heart goes out to his family, and I will always carry his wisdom and friendship with me.” |
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I had the honor of working with Chuck in the late 80s and early 90s. He was a bold, innovative, and intense leader and architect of many voter-driven policies. Rest in peace, old friend, Sue Kozel